Gov. Bentley Faces Upset Education Retirees

By Associated Press&nbsp|&nbsp

Posted: Tue 12:28 PM, Mar 26, 2013&nbsp|&nbsp

Updated: Tue 2:59 PM, Mar 26, 2013

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) -- Gov. Robert Bentley told retired educators that he signed a bill providing private school tax credits because of the flexibility it gives public schools to try new ideas to improve learning.

Bentley said he knew he would be facing an upset audience Tuesday when he addressed the Alabama Education Retirees Association in Montgomery, but he did it because of his respect for teachers.

Bentley told the retired educators, "Y'all are mad at me. I understand that."

The Alabama Accountability Act provides tax credits for parents who send their children to a private school rather than a public school rated as failing. Bentley said there is no excuse to have a failing school, and the flexibility portions of the new law will allow the schools to try different ways to improve.

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